Community Support Specialist-Day Services (Carroll County )

Department:  Day Services

Employee Type: Full Time

Base Pay: $22.00/ hour

***Female Only**

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) within our Day Services Department, will provide Community Development Services (CDS) and/or Day Habilitation Services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the community.  Under the supervision of the Director of Day Services, a person in this position is responsible for the implementation and supervision of daily community engagement and integration relating to the persons interests and needs within the community.  The programs engaged in include, but are not limited to, social programs, fitness programs, arts, sports, festivals, volunteer opportunities, and more.  These experiences will support building positive community connections, socialization, life-long learning, healthy recreation and leisure choices, and personal development.  This is a community-based position that will require staff to report to the home of the person supported, transport them throughout the day to community programs, and return them to home at the end of the program day.

Primary Job Functions:

• Assists and supervises 2-5 individuals daily within community-based activities to be successful, integrated and engaged in their communities. 

• Ensures record keeping of activities, notes, goals, and other reports are submitted timely and accurately as required.

• Ensures compliance with COMAR, Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), and Richcroft regulations.

• Maintain regular communication with Supervisor regarding program enhancement opportunities and any concerns regarding operations.

• Models’ appropriate behavior as well as monitors and redirects individuals’ behavior including, de-escalating anger and frustration, assisting in conflict resolution, and keeping the individual focused on activities or volunteer duties.

• Maintains regular communication with the department, through written progress notes, meetings, and other agency communication streams.

• Follows instructions and abides by Agency policies and procedures.

• Assumes other duties, responsibilities and special projects as needed.

Secondary Job Function(s):

• Attends and participates in in-service training, staff meetings and other activities to facilitate professional development skills.

• Possess exceptional oral and written communication skills.

• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

• Ability to use technology for specified job duties (Email, Text Messaging, Timekeeping, etc).

• Familiarity with iCare Manager (iCM), a plus

• In-depth working knowledge with MS Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.), and other technology.

Education, Experience, and other Qualifications:

• Possession of a High School Diploma or GED.  

• Some college coursework in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Human Services, Psychology, or related field preferred.

• Experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities preferred

• Background in Recreation and Leisure skill development preferred

• Must be at least 20 years of age or older

• Possess a full valid driver’s license (not a Provisional DL)

• Have at least 2 years driving experience; must have a clean driving record (no more than 3 points)  

• Must have access to a reliable vehicle for daily use with current automobile insurance 

• Must have or be able to obtain CPR and First Aid certification

• Must successfully complete MANDT training

• Must be able to obtain CMT certification

• Must be fully vaccinated or be subject to weekly testing

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Works in the community, both indoor and outdoor settings.  

• Ability to work with individuals with a variety of disabilities, including the potential to be exposed to aggressive, unpredictable behavior. 

• Ability to sit, stand, reach, walk, run, push, carry, manipulate objects or controls, kneel, stoop, or crawl for prolonged periods of time.

• Ability to assist and transfer an adult in/out of a wheelchair; at times may need to assist with personal care needs when necessary.  

• The position may require the occasional lifting of objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more at a time.